USS GROWLER (SSG-577)

The Growler's History

During
World War II (1939–45), submarines primarily served in an anti-ship
attack role. By the start of the Cold War (1948–89), they were part of
a new defensive strategy. American submarines armed with nuclear
missiles would patrol near Russian territory, thereby deterring them
from launching an attack on the United States. The former USS Growler
(SSG-577) was one of these early U.S. Navy guided missile submarines.

The Growler at the Intrepid Museum was named for the highly decorated
World War II Gato-class submarine Growler (SS-215), which was lost in
action in the Pacific in 1944. As with the like-designed, slightly
earlier USS Grayback (SSG-574), the Growler was laid down as an attack
submarine, but was altered to carry Regulus I nuclear missiles. The
Growler was commissioned at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in Kittery, Maine
on August 30, 1958. She soon joined four other Regulus missile
submarines at Pearl Harbor to form Submarine Squadron 1. Between 1960
and 1963, the Growler conducted eight strategic deterrent patrols in
the western Pacific, each of which lasted about two months.

While the Growler patrolled the Pacific, the Navy was developing
improved submarines and missiles. Regulus missile submarines had to
surface to launch their weapons and to operate their diesel generators.
The new generation of nuclear-powered Polaris ballistic missile
submarines could launch their weapons while submerged and could remain
underwater for the duration of a patrol. The Growler was decommissioned
on May 25, 1964 and was scheduled to be destroyed as a test target. In
1989, the Growler became part of the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space
Museum complex. The Growler serves as a uniquely preserved survivor of
this type of early American nuclear missile submarine and offers
visitors a glimpse back into the Cold War 1950s and 1960s.

While under construction as a diesel powered attack submarine, USS Growler
was converted to carry nuclear guided missiles of the short-lived
Regulus Program. Her career was brief but significant, as she
participated in the
initial strategic nuclear deterrent patrols made by the United States
submarine
force. Growler is the sole survivor of the Navy's fleet of pioneering
strategic missile diesel powered submarines. As such, she is the only American
nuclear missile submarine on display. All of her successors are regulated
by treaty.

Destined to be sunk as a target, Growler was saved at the last
minute by the Intrepid Museum. She is maintained in her original
operational appearance, except for access modifications and air conditioning.